September Maintenance Guide

This month start preparing your home for cooler temperatures and fall weather.
September is a month of transition, when we start to put away our summer gear and prepare for cooler weather. It can be a busy month for home maintenance. Be sure you do your outdoor tasks before the weather gets too bad and book your professional services like chimney sweeping and roof/gutter cleaning. In addition to professional servicing, there are easy DIY tasks you can do yourself to make sure you are getting your home ready for autumn.
September maintenance tasks
Lay mulch for winter frost prep
Trim back flowering plants like lavender
Prune trees and shrubs near house
Repair exterior siding as necessary
Prep and clean fireplace
Check for air leaks in attic and basement
Clear roof and gutters from leaves
Test your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector
Inspect your fire extinguishers
Pros to schedule
Heating service pro to assess your home’s potential heat loss
Chimney sweep to inspect fireplace and ensure safety
Tip of the month: Fireplace Safety
Your fireplace should be a source of warmth and comfort, not a dangerous hazard. Unfortunately, every year thousands of people (including children) are seriously injured by fires. 14,000 house fires each year originate in the fireplace, so the more you know how to maintain your fireplace (and safely use it) the better. Here are some fireplace safety tips:
Have your fireplace inspected each year by a professional, especially if your fireplace is wood burning
Clear the area around the hearth and make sure it’s free of flammable materials
Use only seasoned hardwood – soft wood creates more creosote buildup
Always use a screen around the fireplace to catch sparks